More than a month into the NBA’s 2025 free agency period, the Chicago Bulls and restricted free agent guard Josh Giddey remain at an impasse in their contract negotiations, even as they continue to engage in talks. Both parties share an interest in finalizing a multiyear deal, but a significant financial gap persists, delaying resolution during the offseason, according to Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times.
Differences in Contract Valuations Create Ongoing Negotiation Challenges
The core of the dispute centers on an $8-10 million per year difference in contract offers. Giddey’s camp is reportedly aiming for an average annual salary around $30 million, while the Bulls have proposed deals closer to $20 million per year. This discrepancy reflects differing expectations of Giddey’s market value as a young, developing talent in the NBA.
Industry insiders polled by Fred Katz and Joel Lorenzi of The Athletic generally sided with the Bulls’ more conservative valuation. Among sixteen NBA front office sources surveyed, fourteen suggested a fair contract for Giddey would fall between $20 million and $25 million annually. However, some of those executives also noted that a longer guaranteed term would be appropriate, indicating optimism on Giddey’s potential.
Front Office Perspectives on Contract Length and Player Value
Several executives emphasized that committing to a four- or five-year guaranteed contract is a cautious decision requiring confidence in a player’s consistent performance. Only a few free agents, including Naz Reid, Myles Turner, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Sam Merrill, have secured such multi-year guaranteed contracts since free agency began.
If you’re offering a four-year contract, you have to be correct,
—anonymous executive
Some executives see Giddey as an exception who might justify a longer deal despite the current league-wide preference for shorter contracts to maintain roster flexibility.
Giddey is the anomaly because he might be good enough to be a four-year player. Nobody wants to go with long-term contracts because everybody wants this idea of flexibility. You wanna have the ability to (say), ‘You know what? My team’s not very good. Let’s pivot.’
—anonymous executive
Within The Athletic’s poll, a minority of executives expressed willingness to offer a four-year, $100 million contract to Giddey, while the most confident respondent proposed a five-year, $125 million commitment.
Market Realities and Strategic Hesitations Among Teams
It is important to recognize that rival executives often adopt conservative estimates during contract value polls to avoid inflating the market, especially as they face their own negotiations. Thus, while front office projections might lean toward the Bulls’ valuation, Giddey’s representatives could realistically be pushing for a higher figure closer to their $30 million target.
Despite the current stalemate, there is no immediate urgency for Chicago or Giddey to bridge the financial divide. The 22-year-old guard’s qualifying offer remains valid until at least October 1, conveniently just before NBA training camps commence.
Josh Giddey’s Performance Spurs Interest Amid Negotiations
Giddey’s initial adjustment to Chicago after the trade from Oklahoma City, which involved Alex Caruso heading to the Thunder, was gradual, but his performance improved significantly as the season progressed. Following the midseason trade of Zach LaVine to Sacramento, Giddey delivered impressive numbers, averaging 20.2 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game over 25 contests, with shooting splits of .491 from the field, .451 from three-point range, and .801 from the free-throw line.
Implications of the Contract Standoff and What Lies Ahead
The current contract negotiations are significant, both for Giddey’s career trajectory and the Bulls’ financial planning. Reaching a balance will require aligning expectations on salary and contract length, weighing Giddey’s rising star potential against the Bulls’ desire for flexibility within their roster strategy. As the October deadline nears, both sides are likely to continue discussions to avoid any hold-up with preparations for the upcoming NBA season.